Question: Who was Lakshmana able to slay because he had not eaten, slept, or seen the face of a woman for fourteen years?
Incorrect Answer
Correct Answer After returning to Ayodhya, some people wondered why Lakshmana killing Indrajit was such a big deal. After all, other people had killed other sons of Ravana. However, Rama pointed out that Indrajit could only be killed by someone who had not eaten, slept, or seen the face of a woman for fourteen years. People protested that that was impossible. However, it was shown that Lakshmana was qualified in all three areas. Even though Shri Rama had handed him food to eat, he had never told him to eat. Lakshmana, in his loyalty, thought himelf born to serve Shri Rama and did not do anything without being told. Hence, he had not eaten.
Before going into exile, his mother had told him to serve Shri Rama and guard him while he slept. So, Lakshmana did just that...and went 14 years without sleeping.
Also, though he lived near his sister-in-law for 14 yars, he never looked at her face. He worshipped her, and only gazed at her feet.
Such was his loyalty.
Question: Only twice in his entire life did Lakshmana disobey Shri Rama's orders. What did he do (at one of these times)?
Incorrect Answer
Correct Answer This took place in the thirteenth year of the exile. The king of demons, Ravana, had sent a demon named Maricha to lure Shri Rama and Lakshmana away from Sita so that he could capture her. Maricha, turning into a golden deer, walked past their dwelling. Sita asked Shri Rama to capture it, but Lakshmana warned that it may be a demon in disguise. Rama went, saying that if it were a demon, he would kill it and telling Lakshmana to stay and guard Sita no matter what happenned. Eventually Maricha lured Rama far from the cottage. Then Shri Rama realized it was a demon, and shot it. Maricha then took his true form and, with his final breath, called out in Shri Rama's voice, "Oh Lakshmana! Oh, Sita! Help!"
Back at the cottage, Sita panicked upon hearing this. She begged Lakshmana to go help his brother, but he refused, saying that no harm could ever befall Shri Rama. However, she was not to be satisfied and threatened to go herself. Unable to console her, he begrudgingly left, entrusting her safety to the surrounding plants and animals and praying for his brother's forgiveness.
Correct Answer Sita was the wife of Shri Rama, Lakshmana's eldest brother. Mandavi was the next brother, Bharata's wife. Shrutakirti was wedded to Lakshmana's twin, Shatrughna.
